Principal Data Scientist

• Shape and communicate the technical direction of OVO's data science function, guiding the team through expert mentorship and driving the adoption of modern tools, technologies, and approaches to elevate our capabilities.
• Drive high-impact data science projects that solve complex business challenges and align with OVO's strategic goals, championing innovation and delivering scalable, forward-thinking solutions.
• Develop a strategic roadmap for data science, informed by emerging trends and evolving business needs, and lead research into advanced techniques and applications.
• Establish standards for model development, validation, and deployment while ensuring data quality, compliance, and security, and promote scalable, reliable infrastructure and ethical data use.

This role contributes to OVO's mission to solve the climate crisis by driving data science initiatives that support sustainable energy solutions and help build a more sustainable future through innovative AI and data capabilities.

• Proven ability to lead complex, high-impact data science initiatives that drive strategic outcomes with deep expertise in advanced machine learning, statistical methods, and algorithm development.
• Proficient in Python or R, and advanced SQL, with strong research and analytical skills and demonstrated experience evaluating and applying emerging tools, technologies, and methodologies.
• Skilled in defining and executing data science strategies aligned with business objectives and strong communicator able to clearly explain technical concepts to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Effective collaborator with cross-functional teams, building trusted relationships across the organisation, and recognised for technical leadership, mentorship, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.

Salary band: £116,500 - 154,588 with eligibility for 15% on-target bonus. Additional 9% Flex Pay (4% auto-enrolled into pension, 5% flexible benefits). Benefits include 34 days holiday, healthcare cash plan/private medical insurance, critical illness cover, life assurance, gym membership, travel insurance, workplace ISA, dental insurance, extra holiday buying, discount dining, home & tech loans, charity donations, energy plan discounts, solar/thermostat/EV charger discounts, low emission car leasing, cycle to work scheme, and public transport loans.

OVO Energy is on a mission to solve one of humanity's biggest challenges, the climate crisis, through their Plan Zero initiative focused on building a sustainable energy future.